Islam Makhachev achieved a remarkable milestone in his mixed martial arts career on March 9, 2024, by defeating Jack Della Maddalena to capture the welterweight championship at UFC 322. The event took place at Madison Square Garden in New York, where Makhachev dominated the match, securing a unanimous decision victory after five rounds.
With this win, Makhachev improved his professional record to 28-1 and matched the legendary Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history, now standing at 16 consecutive wins. His performance included an impressive 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time against Della Maddalena, showcasing his skill and strategy throughout the fight.
Makhachev expressed his joy after the match, stating, “This is the dream. All my life I’ve fought for this. I worked hard for this moment.” His transition to the welterweight division proved advantageous, as he noted, “My life has changed. I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do what I want. It made this night easy.”
Dominance in the Octagon
Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with a record of 18-3 and had not lost since his initial two professional fights, struggled against Makhachev’s relentless approach. The Australian fighter was unable to counter Makhachev’s tactics, as the champion executed every takedown attempt and kept Della Maddalena pinned to the canvas for extended periods.
Statistically, Makhachev outstruck Della Maddalena 123-32, landing powerful calf kicks that significantly impaired his opponent’s mobility. By the third round, it was clear that Della Maddalena was on the defensive, yet he showed resilience by avoiding a finish despite Makhachev’s dominance. “This was my plan, and it’s not a secret,” Makhachev remarked. “All of my opponents know this, but nobody can stop it.”
Makhachev’s victory solidifies his status as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history. Now, he embarks on a new journey in the welterweight division, which is known for its depth and competitive fighters.
Looking Ahead
Following his championship victory, Makhachev has set his sights on future challenges within the UFC. He made a bold statement regarding his ambitions, saying, “Open the White House,” referring to the UFC’s anticipated event planned for 2026. His confidence reflects not only his recent success but also his readiness to face new opponents in the welterweight landscape.
As Makhachev continues to build on his impressive record, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates this highly competitive division, eager to see what he accomplishes next in his already illustrious career.
